Mets Rumors: Leave a spot open, George Springer likely to leave the Astros

Get ready to see George Springer’s name appear in many offseason New York Mets rumors. The Houston Astros star is reportedly leaning toward finding a new ball club.

George Springer is one of the best free agents available this winter and near the top of the list of players the New York Mets should pursue. With October winding down, we have now entered full-scale Mets rumors season.

Although Mets rumors at the moment are highly speculative considering the ownership and general manager situation, what happens with potential targets falls into this category. Seeing the latest news on Springer, I felt it was justified to take a look from a Mets-perspective.

The speculation about Springer is that he is unhappy the Houston Astros failed to extend him in the preseason. This is an important piece for the Mets to note for two reasons.

First, it means they need to leave a spot open for Springer. Center field is in need of an upgrade defensively. Springer would give the team this plus an amazing bat for the top or middle of their order.

Secondly, the Mets need to see how the relationship between Springer and the Astros soured and relate it to future extension talks with Michael Conforto. They cannot afford to wait too long to extend their star right fielder.

A Connecticut native, Springer grew up rooting for the Boston Red Sox. However, Flushing still isn’t too far from home. For the right price and situation, I suspect we’ll see his name come up in plenty more Mets rumors as the offseason progresses.

The first step in signing any free agent is for the player to actually reach the open market. Everything seems to indicate that Springer will indeed test the waters. It’s up to Steve Cohen and whoever the general manager may be to get the deal done.

This winter’s free agent crop isn’t loaded with talent but does offer some names we would all like to see appear in Mets rumors.

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For now, we can only speculate about Springer’s future. In a few weeks, perhaps a little longer, we should have a better idea of how serious the Mets are about signing him and whether or not we’ll see him patrolling center field at Citi Field regularly in 2021 and beyond.